Iran’s Progress Delights Coach Amir Ghalenoei

Tuesday’s 3-2 win against Kyrgyzstan kept Team Melli top of the group on 16 points, three ahead of Uzbekistan with United Arab Emirates a further three adrift.

With qualification to the FIFA World Cup 26 well within reach now, Ghalenoei was pleased to see the attacking strength of his side but admitted defensive improvements are a must.

“We managed to get a good win on a difficult day,” said Ghalenoei. “I think it was a match that made the audience happy with five goals.

“In the second half, we conceded with two mistakes. Considering the travelling conditions we had, we have to praise our players who immediately fought back and scored the winning goal and created many chances. I thank each and every one of my players,” he added.

“We are happy that we got 16 points from six games. I am very happy that we became an attacking team. In our defensive structure, we have a series of problems that we need to fix in the three months we have (before the AFC Asian Qualifiers resume.)”

Goals from Mehdi Taremi and Saleh Hardani gave the Iranians a comfortable half-time lead but the situation changed quickly in the second half as Kyrgyzstan wrested control to draw level through Joel Kojo’s brace.

Ghalenoei responded with tactical changes which led to Sardar Azmoun heading in the winner with 14 minutes left to play.